Celebrate reading in 2026
Fewer people are reading. It's time to Go All In.
What is the National Year of Reading?
In an increasingly online world, fewer children are reading. The campaign is a Department of Education initiative (in partnership with the National Literacy Trust) that looks to inspire reading for pleasure across the UK and build a lifetime love of reading.
The theme, “Go All In”, is about connecting your hobbies and interests, from football and gaming to cooking and history, with the world of reading. If you’re into it, read into it!
Our Vision for the National Year of Reading
Reading isn’t just about words on a page. For those with a print disability and who can't read print, audiobooks are accessible reading, bringing stories to life, firing up the imagination and encouraging creativity.
Our Vision
A society where audiobooks are fully recognised, celebrated and used as an inclusive, accessible way to engage with reading.
Our Objectives
We aren’t merely involved in the National Year of Reading; we’re aiming high! We’ve come up with ambitious objectives in line with the Government’s National Year of Reading objectives to help us measure the success of the campaign. This year, Calibre Audio is committed to:
Hosting 26 events and activities to encourage people to read more audiobooks for longer.
Reaching 2,026 participants through National Year of Reading activities.
Recruiting 6 volunteers to take part in reading-based activities.
Collecting 260 new book reviews to encourage recommendations and bolster reading.
Achieving 260 new Calibre memberships linked to National Year of Reading activities.
How you can get involved
Audio is the perfect platform to (re)connect with reading, and have a stacked calendar of events and activities, designed to get the UK into reading through audio!
Calibre Conversations, Online Book Festival
We’re releasing two exclusive author interviews every month throughout 2026. Tune in to hear from your favourite writers and discover your next great listen.
Inclusive Voices, Short Story Competition
Got a story to tell? Our annual competition returns this summer from June to September with a brand new panel of judges. We’re looking for voices from all walks of life, and the theme this year will be ‘Celebrating the Value of Empathy’. Watch this space for more information and the official launch on 4th June.
Audiobook Reading Challenge
Ready to smash your reading goals for 2026? This October we’ll be asking you to take part in our audiobook reading challenge by reading and reviewing a set amount of books, with prizes up for grabs.
Partner with us
Do you share our passion for reading, accessibility and inclusion? We’re looking for sponsors to help us make 2026 our biggest year yet.
Discover more about our gold, silver and bronze partnership packages offering high-profile ways to align with a trusted charity with the values of genuine commitment, literacy, and community impact.
We look forward to collaborating with you to continue helping thousands of people experience the joy and connection that reading brings.
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch by emailing us at editorial@calibre.org.uk.
As a charity dedicated to making reading accessible and affordable, Calibre Audio is proud to take part in this Department of Education and National Literacy Trust initiative.